Government Affairs & Advocacy Update:
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| April 2025 ASSP supports evidence-based policy decisions and engages with policymakers to ensure our members’ voices are part of important deliberations. ASSP also supports efforts to grow public awareness of environmental health and safety. |
| TOP STORIES |
Keeping the National Focus on Worker Safety & Health View Statement The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is undergoing extensive restructuring, a move that will greatly reduce NIOSH’s workforce and limit funding for research and safety initiatives. We’ve called on Congress to preserve NIOSH, emphasizing its critical mission in safeguarding the health and safety of American workers and its essential support of the EHS profession. We’ve also encouraged members to voice their concerns about these cuts with their lawmakers. In addition, we are leading the Intersociety Forum, a coalition of more than 25 organizations, in presenting a unified voice that investing in worker safety creates a competitive business advantage. We will continue to monitor developments and assess additional ways we can advocate for workplace safety and the EHS profession. Please stay tuned! |
| HHS Restructuring Leads to Major NIOSH Cuts The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is undergoing an extensive restructuring, which includes moving NIOSH under the newly formed Administration for a Healthy America (AHA). This shift will drastically reduce NIOSH’s workforce and raises concerns about the future of workplace safety research and evidence-based interventions that protect worker well-being. ASSP is calling on Congress to reverse the proposed cuts to NIOSH. Read more |
| Take Action: Support Workforce Development Please ask your lawmakers to support the Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act (S. 722/H.R. 1477). Download our advocacy template to craft your message. |
| John Howard Reinstated to Lead World Trade Center Health Program at HHS As of April 5, 2025, HHS has reinstated John Howard, former director of NIOSH, as administrator of the World Trade Center Health Program, ensuring continued leadership and support for the program’s mission. Read more |
| OTHER NEWS |
| New ASSP Report Highlights Key Workplace Safety Trends ASSP’s latest Corporate Listening Tour report identifies three key themes shaping workplace safety today: workforce challenges, aligning safety with business strategy, and safety leadership and culture. Insights from business leaders help EHS professionals drive strategic improvements that protect workers. Learn more |
| Arizona Bill Limits Local Construction Restrictions The Arizona Senate passed S.B. 1182, prohibiting municipalities and counties from restricting general construction activities during specified summertime hours to better protect workers from extreme temperatures. Read the bill |
| Momentum Grows for ISF Core Principles Report As industries navigate evolving challenges, the Intersociety Forum’s (ISF) core principles report is gaining traction, with more organizations signing on in support. This collaborative effort underscores the need for strong safety leadership as a foundation for stability and success. Read more |
| National Distracted Driving Awareness Month April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. In 2022, more than 3,300 lives were lost due to crashes involving distracted drivers. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration provides resources to help prevent these tragedies and promote safer roads for everyone. Learn more |
| ADVOCACY UPDATES |
| Take Action: Support NIOSH ASSP urges you to contact your congressional representatives to advocate for NIOSH and its vital role in worker safety and health. Use the advocacy template to craft your message and make your voice heard. |
| ASSP Supports Workforce Development Bill This March, ASSP joined industry leaders in Washington, D.C., to advocate for the Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act (H.R. 1151/S. 756), which would expand 529 savings plans to cover professional certifications and continuing education. This legislation would help EHS professionals advance their careers and strengthen workplace safety. Learn more |
| Take Action: Support Workforce Development Please ask your lawmakers to ask them to support the Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act (S. 722 / H.R. 1477). Download our advocacy template to craft your message. |
| ASSP Recognizes Important Role of Government in EHS Several ASSP position statements affirm ASSP’s stance on the role of government in occupational environmental safety and health: The Role of Voluntary National Consensus Standards in Occupational Safety and Health Government Recognition Programs for Occupational Safety and Health The Role of Government in Occupational Safety and Health Support for Occupational Safety and Health Activity by the Public Sector Universal Coverage of Government Employees View position statements |
| STANDARDS UPDATES |
| Voluntary consensus standards provide industry-leading guidance on hazard prevention, risk management and best practices — especially in areas where regulations may not exist. Stay informed on the latest developments shaping the profession. |
| Pipeline Safety Management System: Federal Register Announcement The Federal Register recently published an announcement on Pipeline Safety Management Systems (SMS), which focuses on technical issues throughout the pipeline life cycle. While not directly tied to EHS standards like ANSI/ASSP Z10, it introduces concepts like risk assessment, particularly relevant for those involved in risk management and safety systems. Read more |
| ANSI Approves A10.11 Revision On March 25, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) approved a revision of the A10.11 personnel nets standard. Widely used in industry, we hope to release the published standard in the next 60 days. |
Advisory Group Updates:
Our Advisory Group has direct input and communication with the Board of Directors. The group informs board decisions and communicates member needs, concerns and suggestions to the board.